Moga - Mercies Of God Association with Dr. Peter Nortier
A Look at the Purpose of God
God's Purpose in Preservation, Suffering, and the Journey Home
Summary
God's Sovereign Purpose
The preacher centers the sermon on the conviction that God acts with purpose and is neither frustrated nor hurried. Using Genesis 46, he argues that Jacob's move into Egypt was not merely permitted by God but directed by God. He presents the journey as part of a plan established long before the events unfolded. This theme is applied personally to believers, with the preacher urging them to view difficult circumstances as events through which divine purpose may be worked out. He also frames judgment and salvation as parts of God's larger purpose, while repeatedly calling listeners to take their relationship with God seriously.
Israel Preserved in Egypt
The sermon explains that Israel was sent into Egypt during famine for preservation. Joseph's position under Pharaoh becomes central to the preacher's argument because Joseph had authority to provide food, protection, and a place for his family. The land of Goshen is described as a specially secured place where Jacob's household could live despite the Egyptians' disdain for shepherds. The preacher interprets these circumstances as evidence that God's directive will was being fulfilled. He emphasizes that what might appear unfavorable from a human perspective could still serve a protective purpose within God's plan.
Purpose Through Trial
The preacher applies Israel's experience to personal hardship, especially illness, stress, and unwanted changes in circumstances. He suggests that suffering may draw believers closer to God, create opportunities to witness to others, or demonstrate faith to people watching them endure difficulty. The story of Grandma Waller serves as the main personal illustration: despite advanced age and placement in a rest home, she is described as accepting her circumstances and continuing to attend church and encourage others. The preacher contrasts her attitude with complaining and self-pity. His larger point is that believers should look for purpose rather than assume adversity means God has abandoned them.
Joseph as a Portrait of Christ
A major section of the sermon treats Joseph as a picture of Jesus Christ. The preacher compares Joseph's rejection, suffering, elevation, and role in preserving his family with Christ's rejection, death, resurrection, exaltation, and role in salvation. He says that, just as Joseph secured an inheritance and protection for his relatives, Christ guarantees an eternal inheritance for believers. Passages from Acts, 1 Peter, and Hebrews are used to support the themes of resurrection, exaltation, covenant, preservation, and inheritance. The preacher presents this parallel as a central portrait of the gospel contained within the Genesis account.
Affliction, Persecution, and the Believer's Journey
The sermon rejects the idea that Christian faith guarantees constant comfort, prosperity, health, or ease. Drawing from John 16, Philippians 1, and 1 Peter 4, the preacher says affliction and persecution are part of the believer's lot. At the same time, he distinguishes suffering for Christ from trouble caused by dishonesty, gossip, meddling, or other personal wrongdoing. Believers are described as pilgrims passing through the world on a journey from earth to heaven. The preacher contrasts temporary worldly wealth and popularity with the spiritual riches and satisfaction he says belong to those who are in Christ.
Invitation to Come and Go with God's People
The sermon closes with the account of Moses inviting Hobab to journey with Israel in Numbers 10. The preacher uses "come and go with us" as an evangelistic invitation to listeners who have not surrendered to Christ. He warns that the people of God are moving forward and will not turn back, so each listener must choose whether to join the journey or return to what the preacher describes as death and destruction. The closing appeal calls for repentance, trust in Christ, and identification with God's people. The final prayer asks God to move on unbelieving hearts, strengthen believers, and help the congregation remain faithful as it continues its journey.
